Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-06-29

The announcement some days previous mat
the Sabbath School Of the Methodist Episcopal
Church South of this city intended to appro-
pirate Thursday the 2srd, to recreation pleasure
and enjoyment on the rail and in and about
the highly.favored town of Lexington. that
occasion was looked forward to with lively de-
gree of pleasure by the entire School and many
members of the church as well as friends In the
city and country. Mr.. Reeves Catt Superin-
tsndent of the School, and his Committee, mad
every arrangement complete. and Mr.. Dudrow'
Passenger Agent of the Valley railroad. was on
time before the early hour Of O'Clock with
long train of cars to wheel to their destination
the happy company OF zoo over the hills and
along the ravines and crossing the grand
watershed of the central Valley with Its mag
nificent views of mountains. as charming In
varied landscape as they were ever-chang1ns
in elevation and depression. few miles East
of Lexington when descending to the North
River Valley from the sides of "Mt. Atlas"
over against which to the east are the precincts
of"Timber Ridge, "rich in history as therechrls-
tian civilization planted its banners west of
the Blue Mountains. Looking away to the
South the grand PEAKS OF Otter' rise above
the southern depression of The "Apple-O Or
chard Mountain" around the eastern point of
which James river cuts its way to the low
lands through the Balcony Falls.
Arriving at Lexington, the Staunton visitors
were met by Rev. A. M. Cackley, pastor of the
Lexington Church,-known personally to
many he was there to welcome, because of his
long residence at Waynesboro' as stationed
minister in that town by Professor Moreland,
of the Faculty of Washington and Lee Untver-
sity and Superintendent of the Lexington
Sabbath. school; by the venerable James M.
Senseney, ever ready for good work for his
church, with many others rendering generous
Inequalities.
Forming in order, the School with its Choir
led by Mr.. J. W. Splitter. the director, the erect
forms of the aged Mr. A. M. Simpson and Capt.
J. c. Marquis. of Staunton. also conspicuous In
the column, marched to the grave of Stone-
wall Jackson and there sang the hymn which
commences as follows -
swhen our work is ended we shall sweetly rest.
Mid the satnted spirits, safe on Jesus breast
All our trials over we shall gladly sing,
Grave! where is thy victory? Death! where
Is thy sting!
CHoRUs.-Tho' the dark waves roll high, we
will be undismayed,
Let US pass over the river,
And rest under the shade, rest
under the shade,
Rest under the shade OF the trees
After the impressive ceremony at the grave
was over the march was resumed for the
shades and grassy lawn of Washington and
Lee University where the authorities of that
Institution had caused to be placed many cool
ers containing ice-water, which was bountiful-
ly supplied during the day. Amid the
Astounding shade and along the walks and on
the green sward of those grounds, as well as
the adjoining campus of the Virginia Military
Institute where the corps of cadets were exer-
cising in both the artillery and infantry drills
the day was Delightfully."- spent. Many Of the
visitors sought the points adjacent from which
the far preaching views in every direction can
be obtained. and many too visited the shrine
where the great Lee Is at rest.
The sun was far down in the West and the
great House Mountain was casting Its shadows
aslant over the valleys and the domes and
spires and turrets that rise with more grandeur.
il possible. as they divide the evening rays
when the visitors embarked for the return,
which was made in good time and without ac-
cident of any kind, or thought to mar the
pleasures Of the day.
Reaching Greenville on the return, the
Methodist Sabbath-school of that town were
out in full numbers with banners and greetings
and song waited to the Staunton visitors on
their way to their homes.
Arriving at the depot in this city, all re-
turned to their domicils, and though some
what faded by travel and the exercises of the
day, were full OF delight and thoughtfulness
for the pleasures enjoyed.
This hymn was suggested by the last and
dying words of Stonewall Jackson. The clos
ing lines of the chorus are in his own language.